Sunday, December 25, 2011

New year 2012 is approaching. World is witnessing the public demand of the accountability with all National and International players and public bodies.

PVCHR is also thriving same values and spirit in India. With this spirit, we asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India about communication between Government of India and Mrs.Margaret Sekeggya, UN Special Rapporteur regarding her visit to India. After the judgment of Central Information Commission in India (CIC decision CIC/SG/A/2011/002227/15945 Dated 25/11/2011 http://indiankanoon.org/doc/502102963/), I received the information as follows:

In above email, we say, "As the truth is out in open, I offer my unconditional apology to Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya and to her office. However, I continue to think that UN being a public body must come under serious public scrutiny. In the meeting I also drew everybody's attention to a strange coincidence, i.e., I was working under the representative of the working group present in the meeting when I received threat on my life from the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He did not come to support me then nor does he speak for me today, even though I and my family continue to remain under threats. But he is a very important person in planning the programmes for the mission. Sitting on the dais with Mrs. Sekaggya, he talks on building solidarity and networking among Human Rights Defenders across the country. Mrs. Sekaggya, this is also a trend in India affecting the Human Rights Defenders and must be noted by your office.

During the meeting I came to know that the Government of India (GoI) put several restrictions on the movements of the Mrs. Sekaggya. I strongly condemn this decision of the GoI. I along with other civil society groups will try to access all the communications between the office of the Special Rapporteur and the GoI under Right to Information Act and initiate necessary campaign to make the Government more cooperative to the UN System in future."

We are sharing this information among masses, policy makers and think tanks to initiate the dialogue with Indian Government and UN system for their accountability towards common masses living in remote villages also. It is high time to launch a global process for 'no right without accountability in Globalization.'

Waiting your kind support for establishment of a democratic world based on justice, liberty, non-violence and secularism.

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

--The Buddha

"We are what we think. With our thoughts we make our world." - Buddha

This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee or authorised to receive for the addressee, you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail to pvchr.india@gmail.com and delete the message. Thank you.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

This Christmas, on behalf of all the marginalized people we work with, we would like to say a huge thank you for your support.

In 2011 you have helped marginalized people in India to break free from the cycle of poverty,hunger,torture and organized violence . They are gaining confidence enabling them to claim their rights and access vital government services.

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

--The Buddha

"We are what we think. With our thoughts we make our world." - Buddha

This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee or authorised to receive for the addressee, you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail to pvchr.india@gmail.com and delete the message. Thank you.

INDIA2012 Olympics, the perpetrators of the Bhopal disaster will sponsor the GamesNirmala CarvalhoThe plastics multinational Dow Chemicals will not appear on the billboards of the Olympic stadium in London, whose value is circa 7 million pounds (8.3 million euros). Satisfaction of athletes, politicians and NGOs opposed to the sponsor. According to Lenin Raghuvanshi, human rights activist, it is important to "create consumer awareness, the true agent of change in the event of unethical policies."

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - The organizers of the Olympic Games have announced that plastics multinational Dow Chemicals linked to the disaster in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) is no longer a sponsor of London 2012. Indian and British human rights groups, politicians and athletes had strongly attacked the initial decision of the Games Committee to accept the funds of the company. Dow, in fact, is the current owner of the chemical plant responsible for the 1984 industrial accident that killed at least 20 thousand people, with still visible consequences for the local population.

The brand of the corporation would have appeared on the billboards around the Olympic stadium, 900m long and 20m high, to the value of 7 million pounds (8.3 million euros). As per contract, Dow still had the possibility to of a further five panels for advertising, but made known it did not wish to accept out of respect for the "anti-pollution policies" of the Olympics. The company has always rejected the accusations, pointing out that it has acquired the former Union Carbide plant in 2001.

According to Lenin Raghuvanshi, human rights activist and director of Pvchr (People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights), "this protest has been positive and symbolic, because the Olympics attract the attention of the entire international community." However, the organizers of the Games "should be careful not to go to sponsors that, in some way, may have been involved in genocide."

He also emphasizes that "every time you target business from the negative or unethical aspects, it is essential that activists involve consumers, because they are a powerful force to achieve a real change of political and economic mechanisms." For this reason, Raghuvanshi says, "First we should start a campaign in the Indian civil society, given that Dow India has a turnover of 500 million dollars."

Regarding the Bhopal tragedy, the activist recalls that "for the victims - who are mostly Dalits, tribals and other minorities - there is no systematic form of rehabilitation, or appropriate compensation. This causes still huge frustration. "

Caused by a leak of 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (cyanide) from Union Carbide pesticide plant, the Bhopal disaster is considered one of the worst environmental tragedies in history. At least 3,500 people died in the early hours of the incident and a further 20 thousand in the months ahead. The permanently disabled were put at over 150 thousand. Even today, hospitals in the area account for about 6 thousand people a day with respiratory, motor and brain problems associated with the contamination of the territory. However, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, considers the area out of danger.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

"To get in touch with the many problems, still existing in Indian society, this Brochure should be a Symbol to “feel” and don’t forget, what’s still worth to fighting for – the beauty and variety of India and its people. Don’t leave them behind!" – Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, CEO PVCHR

VARANASI: On the eve of Human Rights Day (December 10), a convention of human right defenders was held at Paradkar Bhawan by the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) on Friday.

Addressing the convention, the speakers expressed concern on the increasing threats to human right defenders. The state president of People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Chittaranjan Singh, advocated for proper security to human right activists and said the state and democratic forces should come forward for their protection and establish rule of law. The people should be informed about the Human Rights Day and Human Rights Defender's Day to know their rights, he said. Speaking on the occasion, other speakers also pointed out the cases of human rights violation by police. They also condemned the life threat given to PVCHR general secretary Lenin Raghuvanshi.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in its message believes that December 9, which is the day when the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was adopted by the United Nations on December 9, 1998, be declared as Human Rights Defenders Day to acknowledge and pledge continued support to the human right defenders who are working for the creation and sustenance of a rights aware and rights respecting civil society.

The message of NHRC was also circulated on the occasion. According to NHRC message, the nation as well as international community around the world are increasingly realising and acknowledging the role and contribution of human rights defenders in strengthening the human rights regime throughout the globe. The NHRC considers the human rights defenders as its partners in the endeavour to fulfill its role as an institution for promotion and protection of rights of common man. The NHRC understands that there are many security risks for human rights defenders and they have to tread a very risky and difficult path to perform their tasks. The problems and harassment of the human rights defenders are in the knowledge of the NHRC and it has always made sincere efforts to ameliorate the problems.

The inaugural session was followed by the testimonials of human rights defenders. Many human rights defenders including Duryodhan Reddy from Orissa, Mahatm Mushahar from Jaunpur, Mangala Rajbhar from Varanasi, Mohammed Salim Ansari from Mordabad, Ram Kripal and Muharram Ali from Ambedkar Nagar and Managal Singh from Mahoba were also felicitated on the occasion for their works. The PVCHR will also organise rally and a march at the district headquarters on Saturday on the Human Rights Day.

Friday, December 09, 2011

http://www.nhrc.nic.in/dispArchive.asp?fno=2444
The National as well as international community around the world are increasingly realizing and acknowledging the role and contribution of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in strengthening the human rights regime throughout the globe. The NHRC considers the HRDs as its partner in the endeavour to fulfill its role as an institution for promotion and protection of rights of common man.

The NHRC understands that there are many security risks for human rights defenders and they have to tread a very risky and difficult path to perform their duties/tasks as a Human Rights Defender. The problems and harassment of the HRDs are in the knowledge of the NHRC and it has always made sincere efforts to ameliorate the problems. Measures like Focal Point for Human Rights Defenders, dedicated website space for HRDs and sensitization of functionaries of both state and non state actors, through workshops/trainings/seminars/meetings, have gone a long way in making the voice of the HRDs heard and restoration of their identity as promoter and protector of human rights.

The Commission believes that 9th December, which is the day when the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was adopted by United Nations on 9 December 1998, be declared as Human Rights Defenders Day to acknowledge and pledge continued support to the HRDs who are working for the creation and sustenance of a rights aware and rights respecting civil society.

http://www.pvchr.net/2011/03/declare-9-december-as-human-rights.htmlDeclare 9 December as human rights defenders day
Dr. Lenin, a renowned human rights defender, demanded to declare 9 December (the Declaration on human rights defenders was adopted by United Nations on 9 December 1998) as human rights defenders day at a meeting of hundreds of human rights defenders, coming from different parts of the country, held at Paradkar Bhavan in Varanasi under the aegis of PVCHR (Peoples ‘Vigilance Committee on Human Rights) under European Union(EU) project on reducing the police torture of Muslim Minority , Research and Rehabilitation Centre on Torture(RCT) and Human Rights Defenders Alert. He announced the protection of human rights defenders as the need of the hour and stressed that the state cannot avoid its responsibility to take care of rights activists in the light of Article 2 of the Declaration on human rights defenders by United Nations.

Mr. Chitaranjan Singh, National Secretary of Peoples Union for Civil Liberty was also present at the meeting and presided over the meeting of human rights defenders. In his presidential address Mr. Singh demanded that National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should strive for its independent investigating mechanism so that it could be able to conduct prompt, independent and impartial investigation into a case of rights violation. He shared his experiences at the meeting regarding his personal involvement into strenuous movement conducted for the establishment of State Human Rights Commission in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Many human rights defenders like Buddhi Narayan Toppo, a tribal young human rights defeders from Sonebhadra, Govidsharan from Allahabad, Mangal Singh from Mahoba, Parvez from Kaushambi, Sanjay singh from Jalaun, all victimised for their activities, were present at the meeting and submitted their testimonies before the gatherings, which made the occasion a sorrowful event. Budhiram Toppo was sent to jail in false cases, tortured and threatened to kill for working on the land rights and right to life of the tribal communities in Sonebhadra. Mr. Sanjay singh whose father late Lalla Singh was killed for their work of human rights was awarded with ‘Jan Mitra Samman’ at the occasion. Mr. Harishchandra alias Bhothu Musahar, a survivor of police torture, was also honoured at this occasion by offering him Rs. 5000 and a Shawl. However, at the same time it inspired the gathering of rights defenders to take the issue of violation of rights of rights defenders seriously and a call was made to involve civil society to intervene immediately and effectively.

Mr. Anil Parashar, joint registrar and focal point-Human Rights defenders of NHRC was also present in the meeting. He assured the rights defenders present at the meeting that NHRC is aware of the rights of them and it sends its recommendation to the Central and State governments regarding measures taken to protect the rights of the victims by means of compensation or taking action against the perpetrators. He also said that the annual reports of NHRC are sent to the Parliament as to discuss on the issue of human rights violations.

Mr. Sunil Sahasrabuddhe, a reputed Gandhian in the city and a rights activist said at the meeting that there was an important role of rights activists in the society but it is ironic that the human rights defenders have been facing hostilities for a long time. They are being harassed and implicated in false criminal cases. According to Mr. Sunil, the right to life of the people is getting bad to worse day by day.

At the meeting of nearly 260 Human Rights defenders of 45 organizations it was decided to convene a national level meeting on coming 9 December in Varanasi order to celebrate human rights defenders day and to raise awareness about the rights of human rights defenders. Link for more details about human rights violation in UP:

Even after 65 years of independence, India is having mammoth human rights problems. Lack of accountability for security forces and impunity for abusive policing including police brutality, extra-judicial killings, and torturing of under-privileged section of the populace continue to vitiate the atmosphere questioning the maturity of our democracy. What is shocking most and highly condemnable is that human rights workers and their families are being killed, tortured, ill-treated, disappeared, threatened, arbitrarily arrested and detained, falsely charged and under surveillance because of their legitimate work in upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms. To stem such a rot, there is an urgent need for handholding of all stake holders, human rights organisations and most importantly people need to be sensitised to become more vigilant and pro-active. Media, civil society, institutions which have been playing a significant role in exposing perpetrators of human rights violation, must be further sensitised to achieve the goal of a country sans human rights abuse.

Protect the life of Dr. Lenin: NHRC asks DGP of UP

New Delhi: Taking strong notice of the death threat to Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, eminent human rights activist and Secretary General of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday asked Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh to take steps to protect the life of Dr. Lenin.

NHRC in its meeting on 2nd December (Friday) decided to issue notice to DGP, calling for a detailed report within 7 days. The NHRC also asked the state top cop to "take steps to protect the life of Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and the witness in Sohrab case."

Dr. Lenin in July this year had highlighted the mysterious murder of Gorakhpur resident Sohrab Khan in an area of the district that is known to be stronghold of Hindu Vahini, an extremist group believed to have full support of Gorakhpur BJP MP Yogi Adityanath. Dr. Lenin in his letter to state governor, NHRC and other authorities had mentioned the activities of Hindu Vahini and Yogi's support to it.

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi on 29.11.2011 received a threat on his mobile number. The caller threatened him of death. The caller introduced himself as J.P. Mishra, resident of Gorakhpur. The caller threatened him (Dr. Lenin) that he will shot him dead and can do anything.

In his letter to NHRC on 30.11.2011, Dr. Lenin said the threat has come because the PVCHR had made a complaint in Sohrab killing case, Gorakhpur, in which name of Adityanath had appeared. Dr. Lenin requested to conduct a high level enquiry against the culprits and provide security to him and witness in Sohrab case.

On 29 November 2011, human rights defender Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi received adeath threat via mobile phone. Lenin Raghuvanshi is the Secretary General and Executive Director of the Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR). His human rights work focuses on advocating for the basic rights of marginalised groups in Indian society. Front Line has previously expressed its concern on several occasions regarding threats and calls to cease their human rights work received byLenin Raghuvanshi and the staff of the PVCHR between April and May 2008, as well as the death threats received in July 2009 and December 2007.

On 29 November, at 5.27pm, Lenin Raghuvanshi received a phone call from phone number +94757251733. The caller verbally abused the human rights defender and commented on human rights, before threatening to kill him, saying "If you speak too much you will be shot out".

About one hour later, having publicised the threats on his Facebook page, Lenin Raghuvanshi attempted to call the person back in order to ascertain his identity. The caller answered the second call and identified himself as J P Mishra, a resident of Gorakhpur. He said, "You do not know about my power. Son, I have relations with many people (...) I lived in Mumbai I can do anything. (...) understand, I have the power to do anything." The caller spoke in Bhojpuri.

After receiving this information, Lenin Raghuvanshi immediately sent the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Director General of Police an email informing them of what had transpired. This information was re-sent the following day by mail. The NHRC registered the complaint as Case No. 49995/24/34/2011.

Lenin Raghuvanshi is currently working on the case of Mr Sohrab Khan, who was murdered in the night of 23 March 2011 in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh State. The caller mentioned that he is a resident of the same district.

Front Line believes that the death threat against Lenin Raghuvanshi is directly related to his legitimate human rights work, particularly his investigation into the murder of Sohrab Khan and his work in the defence of the rights of marginalised groups. Front Line is seriously concerned for the physical and psychological integrity and security of Lenin Raghuvanshi.

Front Line urges the authorities in India to:

Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the death threat against human rights defender Lenin Raghuvanshi, as well as previous threats, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

Take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity and security of Lenin Raghuvanshi;

Investigatereports of death threats and other forms of intimidation against human rights defenders in India, and adopt immediate measures to ensure their protection;

Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in India are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Issue: Intimidation, right to life with dignity, threat to human rights defender

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Dear Friend,Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) Secretary General / Executive Director Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi received a threatening call from by mobile phone. He is pursuing the case of Sohrab killing in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The caller was also saying he is resident from the same district. He abused and given threat to life to Dr. Lenin.
Case detail:
On 29th November, 2011 around 5:27 pm Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi[i], Secretary General / Executive Director of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) received threatening call from mobile number +94757251733 on his mobile No. +91-9935599333. The caller was abusing by using filthy words after using the words Human Rights. He also threat to life saying "Youwill betowed" and "if you speak too much you will be shot out". During that time Dr. Lenin was busy in the meeting with its associates in his office and he became distracted.
At mean time around 5: 42 pm Dr. Lenin immediately released an urgent release in facebook. Around 6:22 pm Dr. Lenin rang on same number but he did not receive any response from that side. Then again he ranged this time he succeed to know the identity of the caller. The caller said, "My name is J.P Mishra, I am resident of Gorakhpur. You did not know about my power. I can do anything. Son, I have relation with many person you know Tulsi Singh. Now you understand what type of person I am. I lived in Mumbai I can do anything. If you are Governor or Chief Minister of the state, understand I have worth to do anything. Then he threat what is your worth monthly earning of only 10 thousand and 20 thousand". The caller was speaking in Bhojpuri mixed Hindi language.
Immediately letter through email was sent to Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission and Director General of Police and on 30th November, 2011 same letter was sent through post.
It is noted that high level enquiry is going in the Soharab[ii] killing case in Gorakhpur. In this matter on the behalf of organization he made complain. In which the name of Sri Aditya Yogi Nath[iii] (Member of Parliament, Bhartiya Janta Party) also came. The caller was also telling he was resident of Gorakhpur. Through his dialogue it seems he was near to the Sri Aditya Yogi Nath ji, because he was assuming Dr. Lenin as any Government officer. He was telling he is making call from South Africa and sometime America.More information:
PVCHR wrote letter to all relevant authorities toprovide security and financial assistance to the family of Sohrab under European Union project "Reducing Police Torture against Muslims at the Grass-roots Levelby Engaging and Strengthening Human Rights Institutions in India". On 12th August, 2011 DGP office[iv] and on 20th August, 2011 National Human Rights Commission[v] took cognizance (case no. 33098/24/34/2011) on complains. On 15th September, 2011 Governor of Uttar Pradesh in its letter no. p-2115/G.S directed to Special Secretary, Home department to take appropriate action in this matter. On 12 November, 2011 PVCHR receive the investigation report from Mukesh Shukla, DIG, Gorakhpur